Parker about Château d´ Yquem Sauternes (0.375L) 1988
The 1988 Chateau d'Yquem has long been an insider's favorite over the 1989 and 1990, although at the end of the day, all three form a brilliant triumvirate at the end of the decade. Tasted from a half bottle, it shines with a slightly burnished amber hue. The bouquet is just as I have encountered with previous bottles with scents of marmalade, mandarin, burnt honey and citrus fruit, perhaps a little waxier and resinous than I recall. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive weight, viscous as you would expect, although not as flamboyant as the 1989 or as unctuous as the 1990. It is beautifully balanced with notes of apricot, white chocolate and orange peel towards the harmonious and tensile finish. You can see this cruising along for two or three decades and maybe it will turn more Barsac-like in style? Time will tell - a glorious Yquem however you look at it. Tasted May 2016.
Description
Land | France |
Region | Bordeaux Sauternes |
Rebsorten | Semillon 80%, Sauvignon Blanc 20% |
Alkoholgehalt | 13.50% |
Füllstand | Into Neck |
Verschlußart | cork stopper |
Kennzeichnung | Contains sulphites |
Farbe | White |
Inverkehrbringer | Chateau d'Yquem, 33210 Sauternes, France |
Charakter | Dry |
Servierempfehlung | Decant at 12-14°C |
Trinkempfehlung | 2016 - 2048 |
Parker Punkte | 96 |
Jahrgang | 1988 |
Bordeaux Sauternes, France 🇫🇷

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Château d´ Yquem Sauternes (0.375L) 1988

The Château d'Yquem Sauternes 1988 is a majestic, long-aging Sauternes with impressive intensity and finesse, already establishing itself as a classic representative of the winery. With its rich, golden yellow color and a dense, syrupy texture, this vintage impresses both on the nose and on the palate.
The bouquet is exceptionally complex and seductive, characterized by ripe apricots, candied orange peel, and honey. Added to this are exotic notes of pineapple and mango, which are intertwined with elegant floral accents of acacia blossoms and a subtle vanilla smokiness, thanks to the aging in wooden barrels.
On the palate, the Château d'Yquem 1988 captivates with a perfect balance of luscious sweetness and a vibrant, almost piquant acidity, making it surprisingly lively and fresh. Layers of dried fruit, fine spices, and mineral notes slowly unfold, continuing into a long, structured finish that lingers for minutes.
This vintage displays unmistakable harmony and depth, and has enormous aging potential that will continue to evolve for decades to come. A true delight with foie gras, rich desserts, or mature blue cheese—an iconic Sauternes that impressively underscores the high standing of this exceptional winery.